Philharmonic Announces 'Epic' 2008–09 Season

"He is Lorin Maazel, and this is his final season as our Music Director," writes the New York Philharmonic in their announcement of their 2008-09 season. "Befitting the occasion, we present a truly extraordinary season that can best be described in one word: epic. A season filled with powerful, dramatic performances. The kind for which Lorin Maazel and the New York Philharmonic are so justly renowned." The season, which begins Sept. 17, will include performances of Britten’s large-scale "War Requiem," Mahler’s rarely performed Symphony No. 8, "Symphony of a Thousand," and two of Mr. Maazel’s own compositions, the orchestra announced yesterday.